NRC conducting inspection at Callaway

A spokesman for the NRC, Victor Dricks, says inspectors will be reviewing how the plant handled a recent problem. Operators at Callaway had problems with the turbine driven auxiliary feedwater pump during routine testing in late May. The problem was fixed on the scene by Callaway operators and the pump restarted. The pump is used to supply water to the steam generators at Callaway that kick in if the AC power is cut off.

Two NRC inspectors, one from Callaway another from the Cooper Nuclear Power Plant in Nebraska, began their work this week. It is expected the inspection will last days.

Dricks points out the problem with the pump never posed a safety hazard. He says it appears Callaway handled it correctly, but the inspectors will review the causes of the problem and the steps taken to correct it. They will file a written report to the NRC in 30 to 45 days after the inspection is complete.

The Callaway plant is Missouri’s only nuclear power plant. It is located near Fulton and operated by AmerenUE.